how to repair wood trim interior

1. Clean the Trim. A thorough cleaning can breathe fresh life back into your trim. ...
2. Sand and Scrape Damaged Areas. Older trim is likely to have damage in areas around the windows and exterior doors. ...
3. Sand and Fill Small Holes. You will need to lightly sand the rest of the trim. ...
4. Apply New Stain. The most challenging part of interior trim repair is finding a stain that matches your trim’s existing stain.
5. Add the Finish. The final step is to add a fresh coat of finish. Wipe-on polyurethane is quick, easy to use, and doesn’t require the mess of a brush.

Full Answer

How to remove interior wood trim?

Removing interior wood trim — baseboard, chair rail, window and door casing — requires little more than a hammer and pry bar. But to avoid ripping out large sections of drywall facing along with the trim, use a sharp utility knife to score the seam between the molding and the wall.

How to repaint exterior wood trim?

Tips for Painting Your Wooden Exterior Trim

• Step #1: Paint Station Preparation. Set up a ladder so that you can access the trims safely. ...
• Step #2: Exterior Trim Preparation. Scrape off peeling paint from the trim using a paint scraper. ...
• Step #3: Prime. You need a good primer, especially when working outdoors! ...
• Step #4: Paint. Allow the primer to dry for about 2 hours. ...

How to restain interior trim?

Refinishing Wood Trim the Right Way

1. Removing the Trim. Begin by removing the pieces of wood to be refinished from the wall. ...
2. Preparing the Wood. The first instinct may be to sand the wood, but that is not always a good idea. ...
3. Refinishing the Wood Trim. The paint is off, the trim is clean and it is now time to add either a protective coating or paint. ...

How do I repair wood trim on furniture?

To repair fairly minor damage, just use this all natural recipe to restore your wood. Mix thoroughly ¾ cup of oil (canola oil is perfect) and ¼ cup of vinegar (white or apple cider). Follow application instructions, and your wood pieces will be looking as good as new in no time! You can also repair scuffs by rubbing them with a walnut!

How do you fix interior wood trim?

Having everything you need readily available will help make the repair process go faster and smoother.Spot Finish Wooden Interior Trim. Old trim has a classic and timeless look. ... Clean the Trim. ... Sand and Scrape Damaged Areas. ... Sand and Fill Small Holes. ... Apply New Stain. ... Add the Finish. ... Remove the Trim. ... Sand.More items...•

Can wood trim be repaired?

If you're working with wood trim or crown molding, you can refinish it to repair scratches and shallow dents. Simply sand down your trim to remove the current stain and to smooth out the damaged areas.

How do I fix trim without replacing it?

0:466:31The Holy Grail of Baseboard Repair!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing drydex for like a corner baseboard repair. Because what happens with drydex it's quite crumblyMoreUsing drydex for like a corner baseboard repair. Because what happens with drydex it's quite crumbly like you see i can just crumble that right off with my with my fingernail.

How do you fix gouges in wood trim?

2:235:18Wednesday Workbench: Wood Trim Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt takes a little more time grab your wood filler mm-hmm. Find the gouge squeeze. Some on there.MoreIt takes a little more time grab your wood filler mm-hmm. Find the gouge squeeze. Some on there. Between the dodges here.

How do you repair a damaged trim?

0:332:48How to repair damaged baseboards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut wood fibers pressed. Together first thing i'm going to do is spread on some joint compound. AndMoreBut wood fibers pressed. Together first thing i'm going to do is spread on some joint compound. And sometimes it's hard to stick. So you might want to just use your fingers to get it into the fibers.

What's the difference between wood filler and wood putty?

The key difference between wood filler and wood putty is that wood filler hardens once dried (so it can be sanded smooth) and wood putty does not. Wood Filler can be used on interior and exterior applications (at least the products I mentioned above), whereas wood putty can be used on interior projects only.

How do you use wood putty on trim?

0:352:30How To Use Wood Filler - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just dab it right to here in these holes push it in make sure it gets in and then just leave aMoreAnd just dab it right to here in these holes push it in make sure it gets in and then just leave a little bit on top. And I'll show you how to little wet sand that off. We don't have to sand the wood.

How do you fill large gaps in wood trim?

1:343:00How to Fix Large Gaps Using Wood Filler & Why You Should ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a sharp knife to cut the applicator at a 45 degree angle the 45 degree angle on the opening isMoreUse a sharp knife to cut the applicator at a 45 degree angle the 45 degree angle on the opening is used to push the wood filler into the gap rather than have it applied evenly at the surface.

How do you repair trim before painting?

Sand the trim with a fine-grit sanding sponge. Sponges get into crevices where sandpaper can't go and apply even pressure. Then apply the first coat of paint, let it dry at least 24 hours, lightly sand it again for a completely smooth surface, and apply the second coat.

How do you fix nicks in woodwork?

0:203:465 Easy Ways to Fix Scratched Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can use the soft nut like a walnut or a pecan. All you do is just rub the nut firmly over theMoreYou can use the soft nut like a walnut or a pecan. All you do is just rub the nut firmly over the affected area and watch it disappear.

How do you fill dents in trim?

Use the fine grit sand paper or a sanding block around the damaged area to sand off all of the raised imperfections. Gently sand until the edges are smoothed. Be careful not to sand too much, because it will add more work. Using the putty knife, apply wood filler to fill in the dent.

What is epoxy wood filler?

Epoxy wood fillers are used to repair mainly wooden products, such as doors and windows, although they can be used for various other wooden structures that are susceptible to rot. When it comes to choosing which to use, Epoxy wood fillers come in many different forms.

How do you fix wood trim on furniture?

0:128:07Use Hot Glue and Bondo To Fix Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff you are going to need some hot glue. So i'm going to put hot glue. Over top of this trim that isMoreOff you are going to need some hot glue. So i'm going to put hot glue. Over top of this trim that is intact.

How do you make old wood trim look new again?

0:130:58How Do I Restore Wood Trim? : Woodworking Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOver the years or. It's it's gotten scratched. With a little bit of time. And effort you can make itMoreOver the years or. It's it's gotten scratched. With a little bit of time. And effort you can make it look like new without going to too much trouble.

How do you restore painted wood trim?

0:152:13Restoring Painted Wood Trim - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProcess. I'll just spray it on rub a foot for about 10 minutes. And scrape it off double box I'mMoreProcess. I'll just spray it on rub a foot for about 10 minutes. And scrape it off double box I'm already seeing the real wood.

How do you fill dents in trim?

Use the fine grit sand paper or a sanding block around the damaged area to sand off all of the raised imperfections. Gently sand until the edges are smoothed. Be careful not to sand too much, because it will add more work. Using the putty knife, apply wood filler to fill in the dent.

How to clean paint off of wood trim?

Alcohol won’t harm most finishes, but it will dissolve shellac. Don’t worry if some of the finish comes off. You can touch it up later (Photo 7). Protect the walls with masking tape to prevent the alcohol from damaging the paint. For tougher paint spatters, use a fine synthetic abrasive pad (such as a 3M Wood Finishing Pad) dipped in denatured alcohol.

How to make wood look rough?

Rub the wood with an abrasive pad to create a slightly roughened surface for the new finish. Vacuum the dust from the surface before wiping on a new coat of finish.

How to lighten a stain?

You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain. Wipe the bleached wood with a sponge and clear water. Then neutralize the oxalic acid by applying a solution of 3 tablespoons of borax to 1 gallon of water with a sponge. Finally, rinse the bleached wood with water again and let it dry overnight.

How to get rid of a sand stain on a carpet?

Mix the oxalic acid in a plastic container. Add 1 oz. of oxalic acid powder (about 2 tablespoons) to 1 cup of hot water and stir it until the powder dissolves. Then brush the solution onto the stain with a disposable sponge brush and let it work for 20 minutes. You can repeat the process to further lighten the stain.

How to soften old paint?

Soften old paint along the edges of trim and stained baseboards with alcohol. A rag wrapped around a putty knife lets you scrub the trim without slopping alcohol onto the wall.

How to get rid of excess polyurethane on wood?

Fold a cotton rag to create a pad. Then dip an edge of the pad into a container of wipe-on polyurethane and press it against the side to wring out the excess. Wipe the polyurethane onto the wood in long strokes in the direction of the wood grain as you would if you were using a brush.

What to use to remove water stains from wood?

If the wood has dark water stains that scraping and sanding won’t remove, you can remove them with oxalic acid (Photo 3).

What oil to use to clean wood topcoat?

Here’s a quick primer on finishes and how to clean them: Natural “drying” oils like linseed and tung oil soak into the wood surface and then dry hard to form a protective film that is all but invisible. Manufacturers recommend lemon oil polish, which partially dissolves the old topcoat.

Can you use wax to clean wood?

To clean waxed wood, you can use a commercial wax stripper, a mild solution of white vinegar and water, or lemon oil polish, but you’ll have to reapply a new wax topcoat afterward.

What is the hardest part of interior trim repair?

The most challenging part of interior trim repair is finding a stain that matches your trim’s existing stain. You want to use something as similar as possible to make the repairs appear seamless.

What is interior trim?

Interior trim covers the areas where two or more different materials meet. It also adds a level of elegance and class to a space. While wood is the most popular material, you can find interior trim in a variety of materials including PVC, plaster, metal, and more.

What to do after sanding trim?

After sanding, your trim should be clean of old paint and finish. Wipe the trim to remove debris and residue before you paint or stain. Once the trim is clean, follow the manufacturer’s directions on how to apply and use the stain or paint.

How to get rid of grease and grime on trim?

Another option is to contact a professional craftsman to refinish the trim for you. Wipe debris, grime, and grease from the trim using a damp rag or a wood cleaner. This will make sanding easier and prevent unwanted debris from sticking to the trim. Denatured alcohol will help remove some unwanted paints and finishes.

How to use wipe on polyurethane?

Wipe-on polyurethane is quick, easy to use, and doesn’t require the mess of a brush. Dampen a rag with the finish and apply it to the trim using long strokes following the direction of the wood grain. Each layer of finish will be thinner but more even and smoother than if applied with a brush.

What is old trim?

Old trim has a classic and timeless look. The attention to detail in the millwork of some older trim is astounding. The only drawback is that you may hate the dark, lackluster color.

Why do you need to change the color of your trim?

If you don’t like the darker look, you can revitalize your wood trim to better match your aesthetic. Those who are repainting and designing their homes may want to change the color of their trim to match their new color palette. Other reasons for trim repair may include: Fixing gaps in molding and trim.

How long does wood filler dry?

If your wood filler is water-based, use a wet finger to smooth the wood filler. Allow the filler to dry for 24 hours. For a smaller area of damage (such as dents and cracks in your trim molding), buy wood putty. To patch larger areas, use an epoxy filler.

Can trim molding be damaged?

Because trim molding is often made from softer woods, you can easily damage it. You might damage it by moving furniture or vacuuming. Or a pet could chew or scratch trim molding. Save yourself some money and repair damaged molding yourself, rather than replacing it. Here’s how.

What is the purpose of wood trim?

The main purpose of wood trim is to add a polished, finished look to the room, and a large gap will detract from that goal by drawing the eye to that glaring imperfection. “Why put in all of that hard work and not take care of this final small detail?” posits Craig Russell, founder and CEO of an award-winning building company in Cincinnati, Ohio.

How to cut caulk tube?

Before you begin, use a pair of scissors to cut the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. Matt Kunz, president of Five Star Painting, a Neighborly company, says to make about a ⅛ inch cut as close as possible to the end of the nozzle, as this will create a smaller opening for a more precise application.

How to use caulk for a gap?

When you’re ready to move on to the real thing, hold the caulking gun at an angle with the tip of the tube at the top of the trim and apply a small, even bead of caulk along the gap. If you’re filling a long gap, work in smaller four- to six-foot sections.

What fills gaps in caulk?

If the gap is large enough that caulk alone may not fill it, Russell sometimes will use wood putty, an automotive filler called Bondo, or expanding foam sealant to fill the gap before caulking. If the gap is wider than ¼” or deeper than ½”, this type of backing material will improve the look and performance of the caulking job.

How to smooth caulk?

Next, wrap a rag or small hand towel around your index finger, then dip it into some warm water. Run your finger along the layer of caulk and gently press to smooth the caulk into the gap. This will help the caulk adhere to the surface and create a neat, clean look.

How long does it take to caulk a 6 foot section of baseboard?

A six-foot section of an interior baseboard takes two minutes or less to caulk, and a six-foot section of exterior soffit takes five minutes or less. “It’s well worth the time invested to prevent headaches that will come months or years down the line if it’s not addressed properly,” Regan says.

Do you need to fill gaps in trim?

If you plan to put your home on the market soon, filling trim gaps should definitely have a spot on your pre-listing checklist. It may seem like a small detail, but discerning buyers will notice the issue during showings and inspections. And if you’ll be painting your wood trim, you’ll need to fill the gaps beforehand to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Introduction

Use a polyester filler to rebuild rotted or damaged wood. You can mold and shape it to match the original wood profile. It takes paint well and won't rot.

Smooth out the repair

Also, unlike WoodEpox, polyester tends to sag when you're doing vertical repairs. One trick is to build a form and line it with plastic sheeting. Press the form against the filler and attach it with screws. Then pull it off after the filler hardens.